Series Battery Start Controller

ABSTRACT

A series battery start controller for starting an aircraft turbine engine and method thereof is provided, wherein the battery series start controller connects two batteries in series when an aircraft engine starter is engaged to provide a higher voltage to start the aircraft engine and to provide adequate operational voltage to aircraft engine instruments and other aircraft electrical systems, and wherein the battery series start controller reconnects the batteries in parallel when the electrical load drawn by the starting aircraft engine decreases and the supplied voltage to the aircraft rises to a predetermined threshold.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Starting an aircraft turbine engine places an immense load on theelectrical system of an aircraft, which often leads to an inadequatevoltage supplied to the aircraft engine instruments and other aircraftsystems. One solution is to use dual batteries to produce double voltageto improve starting performance; however, this requires a complexmultiple-bus switching scheme to prevent the excess voltage needed tostart an aircraft engine from reaching the engine instruments and otheraircraft systems. Another current solution involves utilizing additionalbattery capacity to power the engine instruments during engine startup.Both existing solutions are quite complex, and the use of additionalbattery capacity results in unwanted excess weight on the aircraft.Accordingly, there is a need for a simplified solution to aircraftturbine engine startup that does not deprive the aircraft engineinstruments and other aircraft systems from adequate voltage duringengine startup.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments of the disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed ascomprising: a series switching logic, a relay control switchelectrically coupled to the series switching logic, and aseries-parallel relay electrically coupled to the relay control switch,wherein the series-parallel relay is configured to selectively configurea plurality of batteries between a series and parallel connection.

In other embodiments of the disclosure, an apparatus is disclosed ascomprising: a series switching logic configured to receive an inputsignal, wherein when the series switching logic receives the inputsignal, the series switching logic transmits an output signal; a relaycontrol switch configured to receive the output signal from the seriesswitching logic and configured to activate a series-parallel relay,wherein when the output signal from the series switching logic isreceived, the relay control switch activates the series-parallel relaythat configures a first battery and a second battery into a seriesconnection; and a cutoff switch configured to detect an operatingvoltage, wherein when the operating voltage reaches a predeterminedcutoff voltage, the cutoff switch terminates the output signal from theseries switching logic and the first battery and the second battery arethen reconfigured into a parallel connection.

In yet other embodiments of the disclosure, a method of starting anengine is disclosed as comprising: receiving an input signal from anengine starting device; switching a first battery and a second batteryconfiguration from a parallel connection to a series connection; andtransmitting a voltage from the series connection of the first batteryand the second battery to an engine starter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following briefdescription, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings anddetailed description:

FIG. 1 is a side partial cutaway view of an aircraft according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an engine starting system comprising a seriesbattery start controller according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a series battery start controller according toan embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of starting an engine according to anembodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of providing a series battery startcontroller according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although an illustrativeimplementation of one or more embodiments are provided below, thedisclosed systems and/or methods may be implemented using any number oftechniques, whether currently known or in existence. The disclosureshould in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations,drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplarydesigns and implementations illustrated and described herein, but may bemodified within the scope of the appended claims along with their fullscope of equivalents.

In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a series battery startcontroller in an engine starting system, such as, but not limited to, anaircraft turbine engine starting system. For example, in cases whereengine startup places a significant load on an electrical system,thereby depriving engine instruments and other electrical systems ofproper operating voltage, it may be desirable to utilize a seriesbattery start controller to configure two batteries in series duringengine startup to accommodate the electrical load required to start anengine and then reconfigure the two batteries in parallel once theelectrical load decreases and the operating voltage rises to apredetermined threshold. In some embodiments of the disclosure, systemsand methods are disclosed that comprise starting an engine, wherein aseries battery controller receives an input signal from an enginestarting system, wherein the series battery start controller sends asignal to a series-parallel relay to configure two batteries in a seriesconnection to provide a higher voltage during initial engine startup,and wherein the two batteries are then reconfigured into a parallelconnection when the operating voltage reaches a predetermined thresholdvoltage as determined by the characteristics of the series battery startcontroller.

Referring to FIG. 1, an orthogonal side view of an aircraft 100 is shownaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure. It should be understoodthat while the aircraft 100 example depicted comprises a helicopter,embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to any particular settingor application, and embodiments may be used in any setting orapplication requiring the control of a plurality of batteries duringengine startup. For example, the systems and methods described hereincould be applied to airplanes, tilt-rotor aircraft, or any type ofvehicle or piece of equipment, particularly those with turbine or otherslow-start engines. An aircraft 100 generally comprises a fuselage 118and at least one engine 102 (e.g. a turbine or piston engine). In someembodiments of the disclosure, the aircraft 100 may comprise a singleengine 102. In other embodiments, the aircraft 100 may comprise morethan one engine 102. Each engine 102 of an aircraft 100 generallycomprises an engine starter 114 coupled to the engine 102 and thatsupplies the torque and rotation necessary to start the engine 102. Anengine starter 114 may generally be coupled to a first battery 106through a battery relay 116. In some embodiments, the engine starter 114may be coupled to a first battery 104 and a second battery 106 through abattery relay 116. In some embodiments of the disclosure, a firstbattery 104 and a second battery 106 may generally be coupled by aseries-parallel relay 108.

Still referring to FIG. 1, an aircraft 100 may also comprise a batterystart controller 110. In some embodiments, the battery start controller110 may generally be coupled to an engine start switch 112. In otherembodiments of the disclosure, wherein the aircraft 100 comprises morethan one engine 102, the battery start controller 112 may comprise anengine start switch 112 directed to each respective engine 102. Thebattery start controller 110 may generally also be coupled to a batteryrelay 110. Additionally, the battery start controller 110 may also becoupled to a series-parallel relay 108, wherein the battery startcontroller 110 provides control over the series-parallel relay 108, theseries-parallel relay 108 having the capability of switching theconfiguration of a first battery 104 and a second battery 106 into aseries connection or a parallel connection. In some embodiments of thedisclosure, the series-parallel relay 108 may generally configure afirst battery 104 and a second battery 106 in a parallel connection atnormal operating conditions, while the battery start controller 110 maysignal the series-parallel relay 108 to configure the first battery 104and the second battery 106 in a series connection during engine startup.The series connection of the first battery 104 and the second battery106 may provide about twice the voltage generally utilized to start anengine 102 in an aircraft 100. Thus, in some embodiments of thedisclosure, the operating voltage supplied by the series connection ofthe first battery 104 and the second battery 106 may be as high asforty-eight (48) volts, e.g. when using two twenty-four (24) voltbatteries.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a diagram of an engine starting system 200comprising a series battery start controller 110 is shown according toan embodiment of the disclosure. The engine starting system 200 maygenerally comprise a battery start controller 110, a series-parallelrelay 108, a first battery 104, and a second battery 106. In someembodiments of the disclosure, a series-parallel relay 108 may becoupled to a first battery 104 and a second battery 106, wherein theseries-parallel relay 108 may be configured to selectively configure thefirst battery 104 and the second battery 106 between a series andparallel connection. It should be noted that the series-parallel relay108 may generally configure the first battery 104 and the second battery106 into a parallel connection during steady state operation, whereinsteady state operation includes all aircraft operation with theexception of engine startup. In some embodiments of the disclosure, theoperating voltage of the aircraft 100 while the series-parallel relay108 configures the first battery 104 and the second battery 106 into aparallel connection during the steady state operation may nominally beabout twenty-eight (28) volts.

The battery start controller 110 may generally comprise a seriesswitching logic 202, a relay control switch 204, a cutoff switch 206,and a kill switch 208. The battery start controller 110 may alsocomprise a plurality of inputs and outputs. In some embodiments, thebattery start controller 110 may comprise a battery relay input 210 toprovide power to the battery start controller 110. The battery startcontroller 110 may also comprise a battery relay output 224, coupled tothe battery relay input 210. The battery relay output 224 may also becoupled to the series-parallel relay 108 to provide power to theseries-parallel relay 108. In some embodiments of the disclosure, thebattery series controller 110 may comprise a fuse 226, wherein the fuse226 may be located internally to the battery start controller 110between the battery relay input 210 and the battery relay output 224. Inother embodiments, a fuse 226 may be located external to the batterystart controller 110. It will also be appreciated by one skilled in theart that a fast-acting circuit breaker could be used in lieu of the fuse226.

The battery start controller 110 may also comprise a plurality of inputscoupled to the series switching logic 202. In some embodiments, thebattery start controller 110 may comprise a first engine start input 212coupled to the series switching logic 202. In other embodiments of thedisclosure, the battery start controller 110 may comprise a plurality ofengine start inputs for embodiments comprising more than one engine 102,including a first engine start input 212 and a second engine start input214 coupled to the series switching logic 202. In some embodiments ofthe disclosure, the first engine input 212 and the second engine input214 may be coupled in parallel configuration. In some embodiments of thedisclosure, the series switching logic 202 may be configured to receivean input signal from an engine start switch 112 sent to the first enginestart input 212 and/or the second engine start input 214, wherein whenan input signal is received, the series switching logic 202 transmits anoutput signal to the relay control switch 204.

The battery start controller 110 may also comprise a generator input 216coupled to the series switching logic 202 and that is configured todetect the presence of a generator connected to an aircraft 100. In someembodiments of the disclosure, the series switching logic 202 may beconfigured to detect the presence of a generator connected to anaircraft 100, such that when a generator is detected, the seriesswitching logic 202 is precluded from transmitting an output signal tothe relay control switch 204. In some embodiments, the generator input216 may be configured to detect the presence of an operating on-boardgenerator. While the term generator is used in this embodiment, thedisclosure should not be limited to this embodiment. Thus, a generatormay comprise any equipment capable of producing electrical power topower an aircraft 100 as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

Furthermore, the battery start controller 110 may also comprise anexternal power input 218 coupled to the series switching logic 202 andthat is configured to detect the presence of an external power sourceconnected to an aircraft 100. In some embodiments of the disclosure, theseries switching logic 202 may be configured to detect the presence ofan external power source connected to an aircraft 100, such that when anexternal power source is detected, the series switching logic 202 isprecluded from transmitting an output signal to the relay control switch204. As used in this embodiment, an external power source may include ahard-wired electrical connection, a generator, or any other capablemeans of sustaining the electrical demands of an aircraft 100 as wouldbe appreciated by one skilled in the art. Generally, the generator input216 and/or the external power input 218 may comprise a fail-safe builtin to the series switching logic 202 to prevent the first battery 104and the second battery 106 from being configured into a seriesconnection. Because a generator connected to the generator input 216 orexternal power source connected to the external power input 218generally provides adequate power to start an aircraft 100, by detectingthe existence of any external power source, the series switching logiceffectively prevents a voltage overload that may damage the engineinstruments or other electrical systems of an aircraft 100.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the battery start controller 110 may alsocomprise a relay control switch 204. The relay control switch 204 maygenerally be coupled to the series switching logic 202. The relaycontrol switch 204 may also be coupled to the series-parallel relaythrough a series-parallel relay output 222 of the battery startcontroller 110. According to some embodiments of the disclosure, therelay control switch 204 may be configured to receive an output signalfrom the series switching logic 202, wherein when the relay controlswitch 204 receives the output signal from the series switching logic202, the relay control switch may activate the series-parallel relay 108via the series-parallel relay output 222 of the battery start controller110 to configure the first battery 104 and the second battery 106 into aseries connection. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the relaycontrol switch 204 may also be coupled to a ground terminal 220 of thebattery start controller 110. While a ground terminal 220 is provided inthis embodiment, it should be understood that a ground terminal shouldnot be limited to any particular embodiment, and a ground terminal mayinclude a ground plane, direct chassis ground, or any other means ofgrounding an electrical connection as would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art.

The battery start controller 110 may also comprise a cutoff switch 206.The cutoff switch 206 may generally be coupled to the series switchinglogic 202 and the relay control switch 204 at a terminal between theseries switching logic 202 and the relay control switch 204. In someembodiments of the disclosure, the relay control switch 206 may also becoupled to the battery relay input 210 at a terminal between the batteryrelay input 210 and the battery relay output 224. According to someembodiments of the disclosure, the cutoff switch 206 may be configuredto detect an operating voltage of an aircraft 100 as measured at theterminal of the cutoff switch 206 and the battery relay input 210. Thecutoff switch 206 may also be configured to terminate an output signaltransmitted by the series switching logic 202 to the relay controlswitch 204, wherein when the operating voltage reaches or exceeds apredetermined cutoff voltage, the cutoff switch 206 operates toreconfigure the first battery 104 and the second battery 106 into aparallel connection. In some embodiments of the disclosure, thepredetermined cutoff voltage may be about twenty-nine (29) volts asdetermined by the characteristics of the circuit. It should be notedthat the predetermined cutoff voltage of the cutoff switch 206 may beconfigured based on any number of criteria and in some embodiments maybe a percentage of a battery voltage (e.g. 130%) or may be chosen basedon the startup characteristics of an engine 102. In some embodiments ofthe disclosure, the cutoff switch 206 may also be coupled to a groundterminal 220 of the battery start controller 110. While a groundterminal 220 is provided in this embodiment, it should be understoodthat a ground terminal should not be limited to any particularembodiment, and a ground terminal may include a ground plane, directchassis ground, or any other means of grounding an electrical connectionas would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the battery start controller 110 may alsocomprise a kill switch 208. The kill switch 208 may be generally coupledto the cutoff switch 206 at a terminal between the cutoff switch 206 andthe battery relay input 210. In some embodiments of the disclosure, thekill switch 208 may be configured to detect an operating voltage of anaircraft 100 as measured at the terminal of the kill switch 208 and thecutoff switch 206 between the cutoff switch and the battery relay input210. In some embodiments, the kill switch 208 may be configured tofunction as a fail-safe, wherein when the detected operating voltage ofan aircraft reaches or exceeds a predetermined kill voltage, the killswitch 208 operates to blow fuse 226 and reconfigure the first battery104 and the second battery 106 into a parallel connection. In someembodiments of the disclosure, the predetermined kill voltage may beabout thirty-four (34) volts as determined by the characteristics of thecircuit. In some instances the predetermined kill voltage of the killswitch 208 may be configured according to the voltage sensitivity ofvarious components (e.g. avionics or other instruments). In someembodiments, the predetermined kill voltage may also be configured basedon a percentage of a battery voltage (e.g. 150%). In some embodiments ofthe disclosure, the kill switch 208 may also be coupled to a groundterminal 220 of the battery start controller 110. While a groundterminal 220 is provided in this embodiment, it should be understoodthat a ground terminal should not be limited to any particularembodiment, and a ground terminal may include a ground plane, directchassis ground, or any other means of grounding an electrical connectionas would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the series connection ofthe first battery 104 and the second battery 106 may generally supply anoperating voltage of about forty-eight (48) volts to an aircraft 100 atengine startup. During engine startup, however, the operating voltagemay drop to about twenty (20) volts due to the electrical demands of theengine starter 114. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the relaycontrol switch 204 may be configured to detect an operating voltage ofabout twenty-nine (29) volts. Thus, as the electrical load required forengine startup decreases, the operating voltage may rise, wherein whenthe operating voltage reaches the predetermined cutoff voltage (e.g.twenty-nine (29) volts) of the cutoff switch 206, as determined by thecharacteristics of the circuit, the cutoff switch 206 operates toreconfigure the first battery 104 and the second battery 106 into aparallel connection, wherein a nominal operating voltage of abouttwenty-eight (28) volts may continue to be supplied to start theaircraft engine 102.

Additionally, it should also be noted that providing a higher operatingvoltage to an engine 102 during startup may contribute to decreasedengine startup time. Generally, an engine must accelerate to aconsiderable speed before it will operate without the aid of an enginestarter 114. However, providing a higher operating voltage to an enginestarter 114 through the series configuration of the first battery 104and the second battery 106 may allow and engine 102 to reach normaloperating speeds in a shorter amount of time. In some embodiments of thedisclosure, the series configuration of the first battery 104 and thesecond battery 106 may persist for about ten to fifteen seconds, whereinthe first battery 104 and the second battery 106 are reconfigured into aparallel connection, wherein engine startup may persist for about anadditional 10-15 seconds. An engine 102 may generally take as long asone minute to fully achieve the speed necessary to run on its own. Thus,in some embodiments of the disclosure, engine startup time may bereduced by about one-third (⅓) of normal engine startup time.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic of a battery start controller 110is shown according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Generally, thebattery start controller 110 generally comprises a series switchinglogic 202, a relay control switch 204, a cutoff switch 206, and a killswitch 208. The battery start controller 110 may also comprise a batteryrelay input 210 to provide power to the battery start controller 110.The battery start controller 110 may also comprise a battery relayoutput 224, coupled to the battery relay input 210. In some embodimentsof the disclosure, the battery series controller 110 may comprise a fuse226, wherein the fuse 226 is located between the battery relay input 210and the battery relay output 224. Generally, the value of the fuse maybe chosen based on the characteristics of the circuit. For example, insome embodiments, the fuse may comprise a rating of about 7.5 amperes.Additionally, the battery start controller 110 may also comprise aground terminal 220. While a ground terminal 220 is provided in someembodiment, it should be understood that a ground terminal 220 shouldnot be limited to any particular embodiment, and a ground terminal mayinclude a ground plane, direct chassis ground, or any other means ofgrounding an electrical connection as would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the series switching logic 202 may generallycomprise a resistor 324; diodes 326, 328, 330, and 332; and a transistor300 having an emitter, a base, and a collector. The emitter of thetransistor 300 may generally be coupled to a plurality of engine startinputs. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the emitter of thetransistor 300 may be coupled to a first engine start input 212 and asecond engine start input 214. In some embodiments of the disclosure, adiode 326 may be located between the first engine input 212 and theemitter of the transistor 300, wherein the first engine start input 212may be coupled to an anode of the diode 326 and the emitter of thetransistor 300 may be coupled to the cathode of the diode 326. It shouldbe noted that the value of the diode 326 may be chosen based on thecharacteristics of the circuit, wherein in some embodiments, the diode326 may comprise a 1N914 diode. In some embodiments of the disclosure, adiode 328 may be located between the second engine input 214 and theemitter of the transistor 300, wherein the second engine start input 214may be coupled to an anode of the diode 328 and the emitter of thetransistor 300 may be coupled to the cathode of the diode 328. The valueof the diode 328 may generally be chosen based on characteristics of thecircuit. However, in some embodiments, the diode 328 may comprise a1N914 diode.

The base of the transistor 300 of the series switching logic 202 mayalso be coupled to a plurality of inputs. In some embodiments of thedisclosure, a diode 330 may be coupled between the generator input 216and the base of the transistor 300, wherein the generator input 216 maybe coupled to an anode of the diode 330 and the base of the transistor300 may be coupled to a cathode of the diode 330. The base of thetransistor 300 may also be coupled to an external power input 218. Insome embodiments, the external power input 218 may be coupled to acathode of a diode 332, wherein an anode of the diode 332 may be coupledto a first terminal of the resistor 324 of the series switching logic 20and a second terminal of the resistor 324 may be coupled to the base ofthe transistor 300 of the series switching logic 202. The values of thediode 330 and the diode 332 may generally be chosen based oncharacteristics of the circuit. However, in some embodiments, the diode330 and the diode 332 may comprise 1N914 diodes.

The collector of the transistor 300 of the series switching logic 202may generally be coupled to the relay control switch 204 and the cutoffswitch 206 through a resistor 308, wherein the collector of thetransistor 300 may be connected to a first terminal of the resistor 308.It should be noted that the value of the transistor 300 may generally bechosen based on the characteristics of the circuit. In some embodimentsof the disclosure the transistor 300 of the series switching logic 202may comprise a bipolar junction transistor. For example, in someembodiments, the transistor 300 may comprise a 2N2907 bipolar junctiontransistor. The value of resistor 324 may also be chosen based on thecharacteristics of the circuit. In some embodiments of the disclosure,the resistor 324 may comprise a 27,000 ohm or twenty-seven kiloohm (27kΩ) resistor.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the relay control switch 204 may generallycomprise a transistor 310, wherein the transistor 310 generallycomprises three terminals: a gate, a drain, and a source. In someembodiments, the gate of the transistor 310 may be coupled to a secondterminal of the resistor 308, wherein the first terminal of the resistor308 may be coupled to the collector of the transistor 300 of the seriesswitching logic 202. The value of the resistor 308 may generally bechosen based on the characteristics in the circuit. In some embodiments,the resistor 308 may comprise a ½ Watt, 7,000 ohm or seven kiloohm (7kΩ) resistance value resistor. In some embodiments of the disclosure,the gate of the transistor 310 may also be coupled to a first terminalof a resistor 314, wherein a second terminal of the resistor 314 may becoupled to the ground terminal 220. It should be noted that the resistor314 value may be chosen based on the characteristics of the circuit. Insome embodiments, the resistor 314 may comprise a 10,000 ohm or tenkiloohm (10 kΩ) resistor. Furthermore, the gate of the transistor 310may also be coupled to the cutoff switch 206. The source of thetransistor 310 of the relay control switch 204 may generally beconnected to the ground terminal 220. The drain of the transistor 310may generally couple to the series-parallel relay output 222. In someembodiments, the drain may also be connected to an anode of a diode 312,wherein the cathode of the diode 312 may generally be coupled to aterminal located between the fuse 226 and the battery relay output 224.The diode 312 may be selected based on the characteristics of thecircuit, wherein in some embodiments, the diode 312 may comprise a1N4001 diode. It should be noted that the value of the transistor 310may generally be chosen based on the characteristics of the circuit. Insome embodiments of the disclosure, the transistor 310 of the seriesswitching logic 202 may comprise a Transistor N Channel Power MOSFET.For example, in some embodiments, the transistor 310 may comprise anIRFZ24N transistor.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the cutoff switch 206 may generally comprisea silicon-controlled rectifier 316, a resistor 334, a capacitor 318, acapacitor 320, and a voltage reference diode 306. The silicon-controlledrectifier 316 may generally comprise an anode, a cathode, and a gate. Insome embodiments, the anode of the silicon-controlled rectifier 316 maygenerally couple to the second terminal of the resistor 308 and to thegate of the transistor 310 of the relay control switch 204, whereas thecathode of the silicon-controlled rectifier 316 may generally be coupleddirectly to the ground terminal 220. The gate of the silicon-controlledrectifier 316 may comprise a plurality of connections. In someembodiments, the gate of the silicon-controlled rectifier 316 may becoupled to a positive terminal of the capacitor 318, wherein a negativeterminal of the capacitor 318 may be coupled to the common ground 220.It should be noted that the capacitor 318 may be chosen based on thecharacteristics of the circuit, wherein in some embodiments, thecapacitor 318 may comprise a 0.1 microfarad capacitor. In someembodiments of the disclosure, the gate of the silicon-controlledrectifier 316 may also be coupled to a first terminal of the resistor334, wherein a second terminal of the resistor 334 may be coupled to theground terminal 220, and wherein the resistor 334 and the capacitor 318are configured in a parallel connection between the gate of thesilicon-controlled rectifier 316 and the common ground 220. It shouldalso be noted that the resistor 334 value may be chosen based on thecharacteristics of the circuit. In some embodiments, the resistor 334may comprise a 10,000 ohm or ten kiloohm (10 kΩ) resistor. Thesilicon-controlled rectifier 316 may also be generally referred to as asensitive gate thyristor, which may generally be chosen based on thecharacteristics of the circuit. In some embodiments of the disclosure,the silicon-controlled rectifier 316 may comprise a 2N5064silicon-controlled rectifier.

The cutoff switch 206 may also comprise a voltage reference diode 306comprising an anode and a cathode. In some embodiments, the anode of thevoltage reference diode 306 may generally be coupled to the gate of thesilicon-controlled rectifier 316 at a terminal between the positiveterminal of the capacitor 318 and the first terminal of the resistor334. The cathode of the voltage reference diode 306 generally may becoupled to a positive terminal of a capacitor 320, wherein the negativeterminal of the capacitor 320 may be coupled to the ground terminal 320.It should be noted that the capacitor 320 may be chosen based on thecharacteristics of the circuit, wherein in some embodiments, thecapacitor 320 may comprise a 22 microfarad capacitor. In order toreceive a voltage reading, the anode of the voltage reference diode 306may also be coupled to a first terminal of a resistor 304, wherein asecond terminal of resistor 304 may generally be coupled to a terminallocated between the fuse 226 and the battery relay output 224. Theresistor 304 may be selected based on the characteristics of thecircuit, wherein in some embodiments, the resistor 304 may comprise a ½Watt, 0.1 Ohm resistor. The voltage reference diode 306 may also begenerally referred to as a Zener diode, which one skilled in the artwould appreciate as having similar characteristics and performingsimilar functions. Thus, the disclosure should not be limited to any oneembodiment, and should include all equivalent components, chosen basedon the characteristics of the circuit. However, in some embodiments ofthe disclosure, the voltage reference diode 306 may comprise a 1N5255(28 Volts, ½ Watt) voltage reference diode.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the kill switch 208 may generally comprise asilicon-controlled rectifier 322, a resistor 336, a capacitor 338, and avoltage reference diode 302. The silicon-controlled rectifier 322 maygenerally comprise an anode, a cathode, and a gate. In some embodimentsof the disclosure, the anode of the silicon-controlled rectifier 322 maygenerally be coupled to the first terminal of the resistor 304, whereasthe cathode of the silicon-controlled rectifier 322 may generally becoupled to the ground terminal 220. The gate of the silicon-controlledrectifier 322 may comprise a plurality of connections. In someembodiments, the gate of the silicon-controlled rectifier 322 may becoupled to a positive terminal of the capacitor 338, wherein a negativeterminal of the capacitor 318 may be coupled to the common ground 220.It should be noted that the capacitor 338 may be chosen based on thecharacteristics of the circuit, wherein in some embodiments, thecapacitor 318 may comprise a 0.1 microfarad capacitor. In someembodiments of the disclosure, the gate of the silicon-controlledrectifier 322 may also be coupled to a first terminal of the resistor336, wherein a second terminal of the resistor 336 may be coupled to theground terminal 220, and wherein the resistor 336 and the capacitor 338are configured in a parallel connection between the gate of thesilicon-controlled rectifier 322 and the common ground 220. It shouldalso be noted that the resistor 336 value may be chosen based on thecharacteristics of the circuit. In some embodiments, the resistor 336may comprise a 10,000 ohm or ten kiloohm (10 kΩ) resistor. Thesilicon-controlled rectifier 322 may also be generally referred to as asensitive gate thyristor, which may generally be chosen based on thecharacteristics of the circuit. In some embodiments of the disclosure,the silicon-controlled rectifier 322 may comprise an S2015Lsilicon-controlled rectifier.

The kill switch 208 may also comprise a voltage reference diode 302comprising an anode and a cathode. In some embodiments, the anode of thevoltage reference diode 302 may generally be coupled to the gate of thesilicon-controlled rectifier 322 at a terminal between the positiveterminal of the capacitor 338 and the first terminal of the resistor336. In some embodiments, the anode of the voltage reference diode 302may be coupled to a first terminal of the resistor 304. The voltagereference diode 302 may also be generally referred to as a Zener diode,which one skilled in the art would appreciate as having similarcharacteristics and performing similar functions. Thus, the disclosureshould not be limited to any one embodiment, and should include allequivalent components, chosen based on the characteristics of thecircuit. However, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the voltagereference diode 302 may comprise a 1N5257 (33 Volts, ½ Watt) voltagereference diode.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a flowchart of a method 400 of starting anengine is disclosed according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Themethod 400 may begin at block 402 by receiving an input signal from anengine starting device. The method 400 may continue at block 404 byswitching a first battery and a second battery configuration from aparallel connection to a series connection. The method 400 may continueat block 406 by transmitting a voltage from the series connection of thefirst battery and the second battery to an engine starter. The method400 may conclude at block 408 by reconfiguring the first battery and thesecond battery into a parallel connection when the operating voltagereaches a predetermined cutoff voltage.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a method 500 of providing a series startbattery controller is disclosed according to an embodiment of thedisclosure. The method 500 may begin at block 502 by providing a seriesstart battery controller. In some embodiments of the disclosure,providing the series start battery controller may comprise designing aseries start battery controller, manufacturing a series start batterycontroller, and/or assembling a series start battery controller. Themethod 500 may conclude at block 504 by operating a series start batterycontroller.

As used herein, the term “terminal” may refer to a conductive lead orwire, a conductive post, a conductive bump, a conductive ring, a plug, aconductive rod, a conductive fitting, pin, prong, bolt, stud, clip, tab,threaded hole, braid ending, brush, or any other conductive extension orreceptacle. As such, a terminal may conceptually represent electricallyconnected and/or equivalent component parts that are formed asintegrated units. For example, it is possible to form a capacitor,resistor, and inductor from wire or on a circuit board from metaltraces, and in some cases, a terminal may refer to an arbitrary pointalong a wire or metal trace connecting electrical components. A terminalmay also be considered to be synonymous with a node, connection,junction, and/or a trace. While a terminal may be metallic, a terminalmay be formed of any conductive or semi-conductive material.

While the terms “base”, “emitter”, and “collector” have been used todescribe the terminals of transistors which in some embodiments may bebipolar transistors, other transistor technologies may be used, such asMOSFET, JFET, CMOS, or any other suitable transistor type. Furthermore,different transistors may have different names, such as gate, source,and drain, which designate functions similar to bipolar transistors, aswill be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations, combinations,and/or modifications of the embodiment(s) and/or features of theembodiment(s) made by a person having ordinary skill in the art arewithin the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that resultfrom combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of theembodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Wherenumerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such expressranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative rangesor limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly statedranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4,etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example,whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, R₁, and an upper limit,R_(u), is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specificallydisclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range arespecifically disclosed: R=R₁+k*(R_(u)−R₁), wherein k is a variableranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e.,k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . , 50percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96 percent, 97percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Unless otherwisestated, the term “about” shall mean plus or minus 10 percent of thesubsequent value. Moreover, any numerical range defined by two R numbersas defined in the above is also specifically disclosed. Use of the term“optionally” with respect to any element of a claim means that theelement is required, or alternatively, the element is not required, bothalternatives being within the scope of the claim. Use of broader termssuch as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to providesupport for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentiallyof, and comprised substantially of. Accordingly, the scope of protectionis not limited by the description set out above but is defined by theclaims that follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subjectmatter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as furtherdisclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) ofthe present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a series switchinglogic; a relay control switch electrically coupled to the seriesswitching logic; and a series-parallel relay electrically coupled to therelay control switch, wherein the series-parallel relay is configured toselectively configure a plurality of batteries between a series andparallel connection.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising acutoff switch, wherein the cutoff switch is electrically coupled to therelay control switch and series switching logic, and wherein the cutoffswitch is electrically coupled to a battery relay input.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a kill switch, wherein the killswitch is electrically coupled to the cutoff switch and the batteryrelay input.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the series switchinglogic comprises a bipolar junction transistor, wherein an emitter of thebipolar junction transistor is electrically coupled to an engine startinput, wherein a base of the bipolar junction transistor is electricallycoupled to an external power input, and wherein a collector of thebipolar junction transistor is electrically coupled to a first terminalof a first resistor.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seriesswitching logic comprises a bipolar junction transistor, wherein anemitter of the bipolar junction transistor is electrically coupled to anengine start input, wherein a base of the bipolar junction transistor iselectrically coupled to a generator input, and wherein a collector ofthe bipolar junction transistor is electrically coupled to a firstterminal of a first resistor.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein therelay control switch comprises a transistor, wherein a gate of thetransistor is electrically coupled to a second terminal of the firstresistor, wherein a source of the transistor is electrically coupled toa common ground, and wherein a drain of the transistor is electricallycoupled to the series-parallel relay.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the cutoff switch comprises a first silicon-controlled rectifierand a first voltage reference diode, wherein an anode of the firstsilicon-controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the secondterminal of the first resistor, wherein a cathode of the firstsilicon-controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to the commonground, wherein a gate of the first silicon-controlled rectifier iselectrically coupled to an anode of the first voltage reference diode,to common ground through a second resistor, and to common ground througha first capacitor, and wherein an anode of the first voltage referencediode is electrically coupled to the battery relay input.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the kill switch comprises a secondsilicon-controlled rectifier and a second voltage reference diode,wherein an anode of the second silicon-controlled rectifier iselectrically coupled to battery relay input through a third resistor,wherein a cathode of the second silicon-controlled rectifier iselectrically coupled to the common ground, wherein a gate of the secondsilicon-controlled rectifier is electrically coupled to an anode of thesecond voltage reference diode, to common ground through a fourthresistor, and to common ground through a second capacitor, and whereinan anode of the second voltage reference diode is electrically coupledto the anode of the second silicon-controlled rectifier.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fuselage and an engine,wherein the plurality of batteries are electrically coupled to thefuselage and the engine.
 10. An apparatus, comprising: a seriesswitching logic configured to receive an input signal, wherein when theseries switching logic receives the input signal, the series switchinglogic transmits an output signal; a relay control switch configured toreceive the output signal from the series switching logic and configuredto activate a series-parallel relay, wherein when the output signal fromthe series switching logic is received, the relay control switchactivates the series-parallel relay that configures a first battery anda second battery into a series connection; and a cutoff switchconfigured to detect an operating voltage, wherein when the operatingvoltage reaches a predetermined cutoff voltage, the cutoff switchterminates the output signal from the series switching logic and thefirst battery and the second battery are then reconfigured into aparallel connection.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the seriesswitching logic is further configured to detect an external powersource, wherein the series switching logic will not transmit the outputsignal to the relay control switch when the external power source isdetected.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the series switchinglogic is further configured to detect an on-board generator, wherein theseries switching logic will not transmit the output signal to the relaycontrol switch when the on-board generator is detected.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 10, further comprising a kill switch, wherein thekill switch is configured to detect an operating voltage, wherein whenthe operating voltage reaches a predetermined kill voltage, the killswitch prevents the series switching logic from transmitting the outputsignal, thereby configuring the first battery and the second batteryinto the parallel connection.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein thepredetermined cutoff voltage is about twenty-nine volts and thepredetermined kill voltage is about thirty-four volts.
 15. The apparatusof claim 10, wherein the input signal is an aircraft engine startsignal.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the input signal is aturbine engine start signal.
 17. A method of starting an engine,comprising: receiving an input signal from an engine starting device;switching a first battery and a second battery configuration from aparallel connection to a series connection; and transmitting a voltagefrom the series connection of the first battery and the second batteryto an engine starter.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:detecting an operating voltage; and returning the first battery and thesecond battery configuration back to the parallel connection when theoperating voltage reaches a predetermined cutoff voltage.
 19. The methodof claim 17, further comprising: detecting an operating voltage; andreturning the first battery and the second battery configuration back tothe parallel connection when the operating voltage reaches apredetermined kill voltage.
 20. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: detecting an external power source; and returning the firstbattery and the second battery configuration back to the parallelconnection when the external power source is detected.
 21. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising: detecting an on-board generator; andreturning the first battery and the second battery configuration back tothe parallel connection when the on-board generator is detected.
 22. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the predetermined cutoff voltage is abouttwenty-nine volts and the predetermined kill voltage is aboutthirty-four volts.
 23. The method of claim 17, wherein the enginestarting device is an aircraft engine starting device.